Siemens is committed to the continuing education needs of every member of your POC and laboratory staff.

Diagnostic testing plays an important role in the identification, confirmation, and/or management of disease in both chronic and acute care environments. To help you fully leverage the value of our instruments, the following clinical applications courses examine the relationship between key RAPIDPoint® test parameters and the underlying health conditions and treatment protocols. Log-in or register for a PEP* account now.

Measuring pH Levels in Pleural Fluids

Summary: Pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space resulting from excess fluid production or decreased absorption. It is the most common manifestation of pleural disease, with causes ranging from cardiopulmonary disorders to symptomatic inflammatory or malignant diseases requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Approximately 1.5 million pleural effusions are diagnosed in the United States each year.

Pleural fluid analysis can help clinical decisions for pleural effusions in over 90 percent of patients. Parapneumonic effusions, which can result from pneumonia, lung abscess, or bronchiectasis have the highest diagnostic priority. Even with antibiotic therapy, infected pleural effusions can rapidly form fibrous peels that may require surgical intervention. Indications for urgent drainage of parapneumonic effusions include (1) frankly purulent fluid, (2) a pleural fluid pH of less than 7.2, (3) loculated effusions, and (4) bacteria on Gram stain or culture.

Analysis of exudative pleural fluid for laboratories can be a challenging task, as diagnostic assay manufacturers do not often have validated protocols for the body fluids, including pleural fluid. Often times, utilization of these analytes on pleural fluid may require additional laboratory validation activity and documentation in order to remain compliant in reporting patient results.

Clinical application courses are designed to support life-long learning by helping clinicians to stay up-to-date with advances in diagnostic testing. CEU-credits may also be available to satisfy continuing education requirements placed on healthcare professionals. If learning at your own pace with the convenience of unlimited, desktop access to online courses is of interest to you, click below to: